Work-Study Research Assistant Program

Faculty Name: Pieter Visscher

Faculty Department: Marine Sciences

General Research Focus: The Geomicrobiology Lab of Visscher is combining microbiology, chemistry and geology to understand the origin of life, resilience of microbial ecosystems and the potential for life in outer space. We combine microbial cultivation, molecular, chemical and geological analyses in both lab and field work.

Brief Position Description: The student will perform routine lab work (prepare media, measure chemical composition of liquids and gases, assist in field work); we investigate so-called microbial mats, which present the oldest fossil life on our planet but still can be found in extreme environments.

The student will apply chemistry in measurements using a variety of equipment (ion-specific and microelectrodes measurements, gas chromatography, spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, petrographic microscopy) and also be responsible for maintaining microbial cultures, help with physicochemical and biological measurements in the field and collect samples.

A "Student Laboratory & Field Analysis Assistant - 203" will assist faculty in research efforts within a laboratory or other research-specific environment. In addition to the techniques above, the student will do her/his/their own research project, investigating the formation of biosignatures that can help NASA's astrobiology efforts in the search for life beyond Earth. There will be a choice of investigating gaseous or mineral biosignatures, and will focus on biofilms that form the microbial mats mentioned above.